How to price a boiler service without guessing

Most engineers price a service by looking at what others charge. That tells you what the market accepts, not whether the job pays you. Here is a simple method that starts from your own costs.

Updated 6 November 2026. A pricing method, not financial advice. Figures depend on your own costs and area.

1. Work out what an hour costs you

Add up a year of business running costs: van, fuel, insurance, tools and calibration, phone, software, registration and training. Divide by the hours you actually bill, not the hours you work. Paperwork, travel and quoting are hours you pay for but rarely bill.

2. Count the whole job, not just the time at the boiler

Travel there and back, and parking.
Time on site, including the write-up and talking to the customer.
Consumables such as seals, gaskets and cleaning materials.
The invoice and any chasing afterwards.

3. Decide what you want to earn on top

Your hourly cost keeps the business running. What you want to earn per hour comes on top of it. Set that figure first and work the price back from it, instead of the other way round.

4. Check VAT

If you are VAT registered, your price to the customer includes VAT on top of your own figure. Check your position with GOV.UK or your accountant; keep your sums ex VAT so they compare like for like.

5. Test the price on a real job

Put a typical service through the job profit calculator: your price, consumables, hours including travel and your hourly cost. If what each hour earns is below your target, the price is too low, whatever others charge.